Russian Forces Reclaim Territory in Kursk as Ukraine’s Offensive Intensifies

• Military Engagements: Ukraine’s forces continue their counter-offensive operations, focusing on reclaiming territories in the eastern and southern regions. Recent reports have indicated intense fighting, particularly around the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as well as near the strategically important city of Bakhmut.
• Russian Advances: Russian troops have been reported to launch multiple assaults on Ukrainian positions, utilizing both ground forces and air strikes. The situation remains highly volatile, with both sides experiencing heavy casualties.

More than three weeks into Ukraine’s aggressive armored assault on Kursk, Russian forces have regained control over parts of the contested region, according to a battlefield map released by the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW). This development marks a significant shift in the dynamics of the conflict near the Sumy region bordering Ukraine.

In the past 24 hours, #Russian forces have regained momentum and have captured an additional 75sqkm of #Ukraine‘s territory. Primarily concentrated in the Pokrovsk front in #Donetsk oblast. The AFU will have to do their best to defend #Pokrovsk before winter, a vital supply hub. pic.twitter.com/59L7MKIO4H

— Institute of Emerging Policy Perspectives (@InstituteOEPP) August 29, 2024

The war map, updated on Thursday, indicates that while Ukrainian forces had made initial gains north of Sudzha in Kursk, Russian troops have successfully recaptured strategic locations including the settlements of Ulanok and eastern Korenevo. These moves are part of Moscow’s broader counteroffensive following Kyiv’s substantial territorial gains in the region earlier in August.

On August 6, Ukraine initiated a swift offensive that allowed them to seize control of approximately 1,250 square kilometers (482 square miles) and 92 settlements within the Kursk region—surpassing the territorial gains Russia achieved in Ukraine since the year’s start. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted these advancements in a statement on August 19.

Just to be clear, I never suggested Kiev had control over ALL of the #Kursk region, nor did I “highlight” it on the map. It’s a generic map to illustrate where Kursk is and to compare size to rest of Russia. Here is a map of what Ukraine “claims” to occupy within Kursk region. https://t.co/LfwBpxHD5J pic.twitter.com/Qb3tNbnT0w

— Irish Friends of Russia 🇮🇪🤝🏻🇷🇺 (@IFOR2022) August 27, 2024

In response to these developments, Russian President Vladimir Putin has set a deadline of October 1 for his forces to reclaim Kursk from Ukrainian control. This directive comes amidst a large-scale evacuation, with reports suggesting that over 130,000 residents have been moved from the area.

• International Support: Ukraine continues to receive military and humanitarian aid from Western countries, including the U.S. and European nations. The support includes advanced weaponry, intelligence sharing, and financial assistance aimed at sustaining Ukraine’s defense efforts.
• Humanitarian Impact: The war has caused significant civilian casualties and displacement. Many regions, particularly those close to the front lines, have reported severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
• Political Developments: On the diplomatic front, there have been ongoing efforts to mediate a ceasefire, but with limited success. Both Russia and Ukraine have set conditions that the other side finds unacceptable, making negotiations challenging.

Amidst the ongoing conflict, Alexei Smirnov, the acting head of the Kursk region, announced the formation of a new volunteer military unit named “BARS-Kursk” on his Telegram channel. This unit is intended to bolster security and maintain order within the region, engaging in both military operations and supporting the local populace during these tumultuous times.

Since the start of Ukraine’s Kursk Offensive, Russia has taken 145km2 in the Pokrovsk Direction and an additional 65km2 in the rest of Donetsk Oblast

Ukraine 🇺🇦 has taken around 1,210km2 of the Kursk Region

The Yellow Line 🟡 is the frontline at the start of the Kursk Offensive pic.twitter.com/DCgFwVr5E1

— Ukraine Battle Map (@ukraine_map) August 28, 2024

The ISW report criticizes the formation of such units, interpreting it as an indication of Putin’s reluctance to engage in more substantial military mobilization or to redirect seasoned troops from other critical fronts in eastern Ukraine. This strategy appears to reflect a cautious approach to managing domestic stability and maintaining the momentum of Russian operations in other strategic areas.

Major Points:

• Russian forces have recaptured key areas in Kursk following Ukraine’s extensive armored assault that began over three weeks ago.
• The conflict map updated by the Institute for the Study of War shows Russian control of strategic settlements southeast of Sudzha, reversing earlier gains by Ukrainian forces.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Kyiv’s forces had initially captured approximately 1,250 square kilometers and 92 settlements in the Kursk region.
• In response to the incursion, President Vladimir Putin has directed a counteroffensive to regain Kursk by October 1, resulting in over 130,000 residents being evacuated.
• A new volunteer military unit called “BARS-Kursk” has been formed to enhance regional security and assist the local population amid ongoing military operations.

Lap Fu Ip – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News